The Rights of Unwed Underage Fathers in Florida

Parental rights in Florida are guided by the "Best Interest of the Child."

Florida law on child custody, visitation and parental rights is based on the principle of the "Best Interests of the Child" as determined by the courts. The rights of an unwed, underage father are determined by this principle on a case-by-case basis. Age and marital status are relevant only in light of this core principle.

Father's rights and marital status

Underage fathers are less likely to be married, or to have been married, to the mother of their child. The courts may consider whether the father has registered his paternity with the Florida Putative Father Registry. This registry is designed to provides an unmarried biological father the opportunity to establish a claim of paternity prior to the child's birth.

Material Support of the Child

Other considerations that the court considers as affecting the welfare and interests of the child are the ability of the father to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care and other material needs. An underage father's ability to materially support a child may be considered by the court.

Consult a Lawyer

Every determination of custody, visitation or other parental rights issue is decided by the courts according to the individual facts of the case. Consult a lawyer as to the specific facts of your case.

References

• UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT
• Florida Department of Health: Putative Father Registry
• Florida Laws on Best Interest of the Child: 61.13 (3)